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American Record Guide

Sir John Manduell (1928-2017) was a British composer, BBC producer, first principal of the Royal Northern College of Music, and founder of the European Opera Centre. He was highly revered by people in the music and broadcasting professions.

Stephanie Boyd reviewed an earlier album of works by 16 composers in tribute to Sir John. This sequel presents chamber music and songs by William Alwyn, Michael Berkeley, Adam Gorb, Richard Stoker, and Sir John himself.

The program begins with a wordless ‘ Aria for Sir John’ for recorder and string quartet by Gorb, now the head of the Royal Northern College of Music. More than half of the pieces here are by Sir John, including the two longest ones. A short work by Berkeley, five William Blake settings by Alwyn, and Stoker’s haunting ‘Memento to Mary Magdalene’ complete the program.

Spiers gives fine performances of the Alwyn songs and three settings of Renaissance texts by Sir John. Recorder soloist John Turner is the only repeat performer from the earlier tribute album, and he again plays beautifully in more of the program than anyone. The performers, like Sir John, are based in and around Manchester. These are strong and radiant performances. If you like newer British music, you will find this very nicely performed and expertly recorded.

Notes are by John Turner. Texts are in English and French without translation.